A Memorable Dinner: Fried Rice with Homemade Dried Fish

LUBOK JONG - Tonight’s dinner was a simple yet unforgettable meal — fried rice served with homemade dried fish, locally known as ikan kering gelama. The aroma filled the kitchen even before the first bite was taken, and the taste immediately transported me to cherished memories of the past. 

คืนนี้ผมกินข้าวอร่อยเลย

The dried fish was made by my elder sister, Cikja, who is not only a skilled cook but also someone who holds the essence of our family’s culinary heritage. She has a unique ability to bring out deep, nostalgic flavours in her cooking. Every dish she prepares reminds me of our late mother, who was known in our village for her delicious and heartfelt meals.

The ikan kering gelama was perfectly crisp and salty, complementing the hot, fragrant fried rice in a way that was both humble and satisfying. The rice was fried with just the right amount of garlic, shallots, and chili, and a touch of soy sauce. But it was the dried fish that stole the spotlight. Its distinct salty tang brought back memories of childhood dinners around a wooden table, the sound of the radio in the background, and the comfort of family conversations.

As I chewed slowly, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth and gratitude. Food, to me, is more than just sustenance. It is a bridge to the past, a connection to loved ones who are no longer with us, and a reminder of where I come from. Cikja, in her quiet and loving way, continues to carry the legacy of our mother through her cooking. Every time she prepares a meal like tonight’s, she brings back not only flavours but emotions and stories long tucked away in the heart.

In a fast-moving world filled with instant meals and distractions, a dinner like this — made with care, tradition, and memory — is truly priceless. I am thankful for the meal, for my sister, and most of all, for the memory of our mother that continues to live on through every dish we share.